Using a speedlight successfully in environments with challenging natural light is what separates the pro photographer from the rest. Learn the effects of different lighting environments and when to use automatic or manual flash. Attain optimal lighting on your subject by bouncing your flash in ways you might not have thought possible to achieve correct exposure. With a speedlight, you can control your subject痴 lighting in any environment using Neil痴 innovative tips and methods.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Effectively Using Your Flash

Meet Neil and learn how effective use of your flash will transform your photos. You値l evaluate environmental light and pick up easy bounce and fill techniques.

19:26

Lesson 2. Speedlight Basics

Demystify how speedlights work so you can buy the best flash for your needs and use its features and settings most effectively.

11:42

Lesson 3. Exposure Metering & Fill Flash

Use on- and off-camera light meters to adjust for correct exposure. Neil analyzes his test shots to show how to interpret histograms and correct with fill flash.

23:54

Lesson 4. Light Modifiers & Bounce Flash

Neil teaches you when to bounce and why we bounce. You値l learn how to adjust your subject, bounce off surfaces and use cards and diffusers.

9:03

Lesson 5. Manual Flash

Take camera settings into your own hands. Neil discusses how to balance aperture, ISO and flash features, and understand histograms and guide numbers.

20:19

Lesson 6. Shooting Against Bright Light

Go on location with Neil as he shoots indoors against harsh light conditions. Neil shows you how to evaluate your meter data and adjust camera, light and subject.

17:50

Lesson 7. Shooting Outside

Achieve great portrait lighting outdoors in shade or sunlight. You値l learn how to position your subject to avoid harsh contrasts, use reflectors and adjust camera settings.

I think of myself as a seasoned wedding photographer. I saw this class advertised ... I thought maybe I'd buy it to pick up a tip or two. Holy moly! Just a tip or two? Oh no, more like a whole masterclass of information I had no idea that I didn't know ... You will be grateful that you found this course to help you understand flash once and for all. Thanks Neil! - SteveBishopUnited Kingdom

5000+ students have enrolled in this class

Recently Enrolled

Lesson 1. Effectively Using Your Flash

Meet Neil and learn how effective use of your flash will transform your photos. You値l evaluate environmental light and pick up easy bounce and fill techniques.

19:26

Lesson 2. Speedlight Basics

Demystify how speedlights work so you can buy the best flash for your needs and use its features and settings most effectively.

11:42

Lesson 3. Exposure Metering & Fill Flash

Use on- and off-camera light meters to adjust for correct exposure. Neil analyzes his test shots to show how to interpret histograms and correct with fill flash.

23:54

Lesson 4. Light Modifiers & Bounce Flash

Neil teaches you when to bounce and why we bounce. You値l learn how to adjust your subject, bounce off surfaces and use cards and diffusers.

9:03

Lesson 5. Manual Flash

Take camera settings into your own hands. Neil discusses how to balance aperture, ISO and flash features, and understand histograms and guide numbers.

20:19

Lesson 6. Shooting Against Bright Light

Go on location with Neil as he shoots indoors against harsh light conditions. Neil shows you how to evaluate your meter data and adjust camera, light and subject.

17:50

Lesson 7. Shooting Outside

Achieve great portrait lighting outdoors in shade or sunlight. You値l learn how to position your subject to avoid harsh contrasts, use reflectors and adjust camera settings.

The instructor

Neil van Niekerk, Instructor of Portraits With an On-Camera Speedlight

Neil van Niekerk is a portrait, wedding and boudoir photographer based in the greater New York area. Originally from South Africa, he teaches workshops and seminars on photography and lighting and maintains a popular photography blog, Tangents. Neil has also written several books on flash and lighting techniques in photography that have been translated into Polish, Portuguese and Chinese.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(27 reviews)

Love This Class

by verleypho7000218 on March 17, 2015

Neil gets straight to the point and don't waste your time with beginner's info. So to take this class you you understand the basis of Camera operation. Know what aperture, shutter speed and ISO do. You should have the confidence to use on Camera flash at the end of the class.

Neil gets straight to the point and don't waste your time with beginner's info. So to take this class you you understand the basis of Camera operation. Know what aperture, shutter speed and ISO do. You should have the confidence to use on Camera flash at the end of the class.

Van Nickerk

by drcalvo5050289 on February 24, 2015

Excellent presentation and instructions !Do you have any other photography courses ?

Excellent presentation and instructions !Do you have any other photography courses ?

Photos With On Camera Speedlight

by Jullie Harris on February 1, 2015

I'm at the beginning at moment but I'm learning already and feel more confident using my speedLight and looking forward to my lessons

I'm at the beginning at moment but I'm learning already and feel more confident using my speedLight and looking forward to my lessons

Thanks Neil!

by lynn.jeni6471106 on January 6, 2015

I have all of Neil's books, but I'm a very visual learner. Being able to see exactly what he is doing with the flash plus all the example pictures really made things click for me. Thank for for providing this course! I'm slowly becoming less afraid of my flash.

I have all of Neil's books, but I'm a very visual learner. Being able to see exactly what he is doing with the flash plus all the example pictures really made things click for me. Thank for for providing this course! I'm slowly becoming less afraid of my flash.

Very good class

by dleach7304080280 on January 5, 2015

This helped me understand how to use my Canon speedlite more effectively. The examples showing no flash vs flash are very helpful!

This helped me understand how to use my Canon speedlite more effectively. The examples showing no flash vs flash are very helpful!

Frequently asked questions

A speedlight (or speedlite) is a strobe flash unit that produces a short, intense burst of light. Some speedlights are built into cameras, though they can be purchased separately and mounted onto your camera or a light stand.